The wizards are returning to Airdrie. True, it may not be as magical as a visit from Harry Potter, but on May 13, the City’s Waste and Recycling Service began the second summer of the Cart Wizard program.
The program recognizes Airdronians for keeping the city “green and clean” by ensuring recyclables stay out of the landfill.
“Waste and Recycling Services wants to thank resident for using their [blue and green] carts correctly, encouraging proper waste sorting and educate residents on proper cart placement,” a City press release stated.
Throughout the summer, waste diversion assistants will do a visual assessment of blue and green carts, and residents who have correctly placed and sorted their cart will receive a Cart Wizard sticker, according to Waste and Recycling Services.
Waste diversion assistants will also be available to answer questions and provide program information during the assessments.
"We're just there to educate and encourage residents to participate with the program, and to realize that we're here to help you and ask questions," said Mara Pratt, education co-ordinator with Waste and Recycling Services.
The program, which began last year, is a way to positively recognize residents who are doing a great job with Airdrie’s recycling programs and also provides an opportunity to identify where residents may require a little extra assistance.
“Last year, stickers were given to residents who placed their cart correctly and sorted their recycling and organics into the right cart,” the release stated. “Over 5,000 carts were assessed during the program with 85 per cent of organics carts and 44 per cent of recycling carts receiving Cart Wizard stickers.”
The program will run until at least September, according Pratt, but if the weather co-operates, Cart Wizard may extend into the fall.
For more information on the program, visit airdrie.ca/cartwizard
